Intel Prioritizes Speed and Battery Life Over AI in New Laptop Chips
Intel's latest Core Ultra Series 3 processors, unveiled at CES 2026, mark a strategic pivot away from the industry's AI obsession. The chips leverage 18A technology to deliver up to 27 hours of battery life—outperforming Apple's MacBook Air (18 hours) and Pro (24 hours). Microsoft's Windows chief Pavan Davuluri hailed them as "faster, more responsive PCs with better value."
While competitors flood the market with AI-powered laptops, Intel bets on fundamentals. "You communicate with what people understand," notes Forrester's Alvin Nguyen. The approach combines raw performance (a key metric for crypto traders running multiple wallets and nodes) with subtle AI integration—a potential boon for blockchain developers needing sustained portable power.